Starbucks to Ban Smoking

Joe Camel is no longer welcome at Starbucks starting Saturday, June 1.

Starbucks shops in Florida and across the nation will become smoke-free, joining a growing number of restaurants and bars that prohibit smoking.

Across the U.S. smoking will be banned inside the coffee shops, at the outdoor patio areas and within 25 feet of the doors, according to a company statement.

What do you think about the ban? Let us know in the comments below.

"We apologize for any inconvenience but we are complying with many current and future regulations," was the explanation printed on a card inside Starbucks in St. Petersburg.

The company's transition to a completely smoke-free environment will be a radical change for the regulars used to sitting at the outdoor cafe tables to smoke, drink coffee, read from laptops or socialize.

The company has not tried to highly publicize the new ban at its neighborhood shops, where the wifi connections are free and customers are welcome to spend an hour or the entire day.

Which is your favorite Starbucks location? A Starbucks close to Gulfport is at 6675 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg.

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